2017 Season: 8-18-8, 11th place in the Western Conference.
Head Coach: Sigi Schmid
Additions: F Ola Kamara (Columbus Crew), MF Perry Kitchen (Randers), MF Servando Carrasco (Orlando City), F Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union), D Jorgen Skjelvik (Rosenborg), D Rolf Fletscher (Cardiff City), GK David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes).
Departures: F Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew) and D Robbie Rogers (retired).
The Big Question: Can the LA Galaxy bounce back in 2018?
After competing for trophies for the last eight seasons, the Galaxy had a very un-Galaxy like season in 2017. The Galaxy not only missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season, but they also finished at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Curt Onalfo had the tough task of replacing Bruce Arena, who had led the Galaxy to three MLS Cup titles and two Supporters Shield titles, as head coach. The task ultimately was too big for Onalfo to live up to, and he was replaced midseason. The Galaxy reached back into its glorious past to right the ship, bringing back Sigi Schmid, who led the Galaxy to its first MLS Cup in 2002, but even he could not get the Galaxy out of the hole dug early in the season.
Now with the benefit of a full offseason, Schmid has taken the opportunity to remake the squad. Schimd focused on the defensive side of the ball (we’ll get to that later), but Schmid also showed a willingness to shake things up to the core, as Gyasi Zardes was to the Columbus Crew for Ola Kamara. The move was somewhat of a shock, as Zardes had grown up just minutes from the StubHub Center and came through the Galaxy academy to become a regular in the Galaxy 11. Zardes though struggled to replicate his 2014 season where he scored 14 goals the next three season, as he dealt with a combination of injuries and inconsistency and Schmid probably preferred Kamara’s body of work during his time with the Crew.
Area to keep an eye on: Defense
As mentioned, Schmid concentrated on the defense during the offseason. Schmid’s first major move was in the holding midfield spot, as he acquired the rights to Perry Kitchen from DC United for a slew Allocation money. The Galaxy also went overseas for help, as they signed Norwegian left back Jorgen Skjelvik and Venezuelan right back Rolf Fletscher. The Galaxy also brought back Ashley Cole and are hoping for more from Michael Ciani, who came over the LA in the middle of last season. Servando Carrasco also provided depth at the holding midfield spot.
Outlook: Seventh place.
Sigi Schmid has certainly shaken things up at the StubHub Center. Kamara will certainly be more of scoring threat up front with Giovani Dos Santos and Kitchen should improve things on defense. Still, there are plenty of question marks, with the backline itself being the biggest one. Add to that the increased competition in the West, with Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas sure to bounce back from their own disappointing 2017 campaigns and LAFC applying pressure in its own city, the obstacles may be a bit too overwhelming for LA to overcome.
LA Galaxy
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